Cynthia Erivo Stuns Fans with the Unexpected Reason for Wearing Prosthetics in ‘Wicked’

Cynthia Erivo is giving fans a glimpse into the magic—and meticulous detail—that went into her transformation as Elphaba for the upcoming Wicked movie. In a recent interview with Elle for their Women in Hollywood issue, the actress shared the intricate makeup process that turned her into the iconic green-skinned witch, a transformation that involved more than just applying green foundation.

Erivo revealed that her journey to becoming Elphaba took “four hours” in the makeup chair each day, a process that included prosthetic ears to accommodate her numerous piercings. “I have a million piercings,” Erivo explained. “So they brought in a prosthetic artist, who created basically a shell for my ears. Those aren’t my ears!” she shared with a laugh.

The green base used to create Elphaba’s signature look was uniquely tailored for Erivo. “It was literally ‘Cynthia Green,’” she noted. Depending on how much of her body needed to be painted—whether it was just her face or her head, chest, hands, and full body—the process could stretch well into hours.

But the transformation didn’t stop at the green hue. Erivo detailed how every aspect of her makeup was crafted with precision, right down to her freckles. “Everything was particular, right down to my eyebrows,” she said. “My makeup artist created a vacuum form so the freckles would stay in the same place every day.”

For Erivo, the grueling process was worth it to bring one of musical theater’s most beloved characters to life. As fans eagerly await the film’s release on November 22, her dedication to embodying Elphaba is just another reason to anticipate the movie’s magic.

Playing the misunderstood witch is no small feat, but Erivo’s meticulous transformation highlights the care and creativity behind Wicked. From custom green makeup to prosthetic ears, every detail worked together to create a seamless and enchanting look that fans of the musical will undoubtedly adore.

As Erivo steps into the shoes of the iconic character, her behind-the-scenes revelations offer a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. With her stunning vocals and dedication to her craft, Erivo’s Elphaba promises to be a portrayal for the ages—green skin, freckles, and all.